Fire information and updates

What’s happening?

A storm system on Monday, August 21, brought significant, and welcome, rainfall to Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. The storm also brought lightning.

Parks Canada’s fire management team is currently monitoring four new wildfire starts on Mount Revelstoke. All four fires are in the backcountry of the park in steep terrain, difficult to access for on the ground suppression. With rainfall received and anticipated early next week, there are currently no concerns with these fires.

Recent rain has slowed the Uto wildfire in Glacier National Park to a smouldering ground fire.

Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Wildfires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks are in remote areas of the parks and pose no risk to people at this time. The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority.

Effective Wednesday Aug 24, the fire ban for Glacier National Park has been lifted. A fire ban remains in effect for Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 877-852-3100

Closures and restrictions

Area closure: Beaver Valley trail and access road until further notice.

Fire ban: Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke National Park is strictly prohibited until further notice. In Glacier National Park, campfires are only allowed in metal fire rings provided by Parks Canada.

Smoking restriction: Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes and pipes, and cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice. In Glacier National Park, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking in the park. If you do smoke, ensure all cigarette butts are FULLY extinguished and disposed of in a waste bin.

Background

There are four lightning-caused fires in Mount Revelstoke National Park: one fire above Highway 23 North and three fires approximately 2km from the Eva and Miller Lake trails. With the significant rainfall received over the last few days, these fires pose no risk to the public.

The Uto wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people at this time. Smoke may be visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC.

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire has burned an area of approximately 1998 hectares south of the Trans-Canada Highway in the Beaver and Copperstain valleys in Glacier National Park.

For more information

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to affect local air quality. It can also have an impact on physical and mental health. Visit: Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health for more information.

Additional updates will be provided if there are wildfire changes to report such as significant growth or threats to public safety or infrastructure.

What’s happening?

Uto Wildfire

Parks Canada fire crews continue to manage the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. Recent weather conditions including rain have slowed fire activity and growth has been minimal.To date, the Uto wildfire has burned an area of approximately 19.88 km2 or 1988 hectares.

With ongoing hot and dry weather and forecasted winds, fire behavior is expected to increase over the next few days. The Uto wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people at this time. Smoke may be visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly.

The current fire danger rating for Mount Revelstoke is VERY HIGH and Glacier national Park is EXTREME. Most of British Columbia, including Revelstoke, is experiencing drought conditions. Do your part to prevent accidental fire starts and report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 877-852-3100

Closures and restrictions

Area closure: Beaver Valley trail and access road until further notice.

Fire ban: Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited until further notice.

Smoking restriction: Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes and pipes, and cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice. In Glacier National Park, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking in the park. If you do smoke, ensure all cigarette butts are FULLY extinguished and disposed of in a waste bin.

What to expect

Reduced parking

In Mount Revelstoke, vehicles will be held at the Meadows in the Sky Parkway Kiosk when the summit parking is full. To avoid busy times, plan an early morning (opens at 8:00 AM) or late afternoon start. You can also enjoy trails on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Prevention of accidental fire starts

• Designated parking stalls only: Park only on paved surfaces or gravel pull outs; do not park over or on vegetation.
• Vehicle overheating: When travelling, keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature and, if needed, take a break to allow the engine to cool down.

Background

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park.

Structural protection has been put on infrastructure in the area including the Uto and Copperstain patrol cabins in Glacier National Park, and Purcell Lodge, just outside of the park. The fire poses no risk to people or infrastructure at this time.

For more information

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to affect local air quality. It can also have an impact on physical and mental health. Visit: Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health for more information.

Additional updates will be provided if there are wildfire changes to report such as significant growth or threats to public safety or infrastructure.

What’s happening?

Uto Wildfire

Parks Canada fire crews continue to manage the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. High humidity and rain expected over the next few days should help slow fire activity. Over the weekend, fire crews focused suppression efforts on preventing further fire spread to the south in both the Beaver and Copperstain valleys. To date, the Uto wildfire has burned an area of approximately 19.31 km2 or 1931 hectares.

The Uto Wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people at this time. Structural protection has been put on infrastructure in the area including the Uto and Copperstain patrol cabins in Glacier National Park, and Purcell Lodge, just outside of the park. Smoke from the fire is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Most of British Columbia, including Revelstoke, is experiencing drought conditions. Across Canada, wildfire response resources are stretched thin with the current fire situation in British Columbia and other parts of the country.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Closures and restrictions

Area closure: Beaver Valley trail and access road until further notice.

Fire ban: Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited until further notice.

Smoking restriction: Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes and pipes, and cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice. In Glacier National Park, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking in the park. If you do smoke, ensure all cigarette butts are FULLY extinguished and disposed of in a waste bin.

Prevention of accidental fire starts:

• Designated parking stalls only: Park only on paved surfaces or gravel pull outs; do not park over or on vegetation.
• Vehicle overheating: When travelling, keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature and, if needed, take a break to allow the engine to cool down.

Background

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park.

What to expect

Please respect all closures and restrictions in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Reduced parking

In Mount Revelstoke, vehicles will be held at the Meadows in the Sky Parkway Kiosk when the summit parking is full. To avoid busy times, plan an early morning (opens at 8:00 AM) or late afternoon start. You can also enjoy trails on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Uto Wildfire

Smoke is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire Danger

Fire Danger may decrease in the next couple days for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks but will quickly increase with a return to hot and dry weather later this week. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

For more information

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to affect local air quality. It can also have an impact on physical and mental health. Visit: Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health for more information.

We will provide updates as new information is available.

What’s happening?

Uto Wildfire

Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. With hot, dry weather this week, increased fire activity has been observed. Smoke from the fire is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC. The latest size estimate for this wildfire is 17.68 km2 or 1768 hectares.

The wildfire is currently in the Beaver and Copperstain valleys. If conditions allow, Parks Canada Fire Management crews will conduct a backburn to remove forest fuels in an area of the Copperstain Valley to prevent further fire spread to the south. The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Ignition in this area will only take place if conditions are favourable.

Fire-related restrictions

Fire danger in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is currently extreme. Across Canada, wildfire response resources are stretched thin with the current fire situation in British Columbia and other parts of the country.

Smoking restriction: Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes and pipes, and cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice. In Glacier National Park, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking in the park. If you do smoke, ensure all cigarette butts are FULLY extinguished and disposed of in a waste bin.

Fire ban: Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited until further notice.

Area closure: Beaver Valley trail and access road until further notice.

Prevention of accidental fire starts

Designated parking stalls only: Park only on paved surfaces or gravel pull outs; do not park over or on vegetation.

Vehicle overheating: When travelling, keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature and, if needed, take a break to allow the engine to cool down.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park.

What to expect

Current restrictions

• SMOKING RESTRICTION: Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes and pipes, and cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice.
• FIRE BAN: Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited. The fire ban restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.
• REDUCED PARKING: In Mount Revelstoke, vehicle will be held at Columbia Viewpoint or at the Meadows in the Sky Parkway Kiosk when the summit parking is full. To avoid busy times, plan an early morning (opens at 8:00 AM) or late afternoon start. You can also enjoy trails on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Uto Wildfire

Smoke is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. As the weather continues hot and dry through the week, increased fire activity is expected, especially in the afternoon and early evening. There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire Danger

Fire Danger is currently extreme in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

For more information

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to affect local air quality. It can also have an impact on physical and mental health. Visit: Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health for more information.

We will provide updates as new information is available.

What’s happening?

Fire-related restrictions

Fire danger in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is currently extreme. Across Canada, wildfire response resources are stretched thin with the current fire situation in British Columbia and other parts of the country. To reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire starts, smoking of tobacco or cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice. In Glacier National Park, visitors are asked to refrain from smoking in the park. If you do smoke, ensure all cigarette butts are FULLY extinguished and disposed of in a waste bin.

A fire ban is also in effect for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks until further notice.

Vehicles overheating can be another source of accidental fire starts in these dry conditions. When travelling the Meadows in the Sky Parkway or the Trans-Canada Highway, keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature and, if needed, take a break to allow the engine to cool down. Park only on paved surfaces or gravel pull outs; do not park over or on vegetation. To reduce the risk of accidental wildfire starts, parking at the summit of Mount Revelstoke will be limited to designated parking stalls in the Balsam Lake area (no parking along the side of the road and/or over vegetation). Vehicles will be held at Columbia Viewpoint or at the Meadows in the Sky Parkway Kiosk when the parking is full. To avoid busy times, plan an early morning (opens at 8:00 AM) or late afternoon start. You can also enjoy trails on the lower slopes of the mountain.

Uto Wildfire

Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. With hot, dry weather this week, increased fire activity has been observed. Smoke from the fire is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC. The latest size estimate for this wildfire is 16.78 km2 or 1678 hectares.

The wildfire is currently in the Beaver and Copperstain valleys. The fire management team will use natural features combined with direct suppression and strategic ignition (to remove fuel ahead of the fire) as required to maintain the fire within predetermined boundaries. The Uto Wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people at this time. Structural protection has been put on infrastructure in the area including the Uto and Copperstain patrol cabins in Glacier National Park, and Purcell Lodge, just outside of the park.

An area closure is in place for the Beaver Valley trail and access road until further notice.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park.

What to expect

Current restrictions

• SMOKING RESTRICTION: Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes and pipes, and cannabis is prohibited in Mount Revelstoke National Park until further notice.
• FIRE BAN: Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited.

The fire ban restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

Uto Wildfire

Smoke is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. As the weather continues hot and dry through the week, increased fire activity is expected, especially in the afternoon and early evening. There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire Danger

Fire Danger is currently extreme in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

For more information

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to affect local air quality. It can also have an impact on physical and mental health. Visit: Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health for more information.

We will provide updates as new information is available.

What’s happening?

Weather conditions anticipated through Friday, August 4, 2023, will result in localized smoke. Visibility may be affected along the Trans-Canada Highway corridor through Glacier National Park. Please drive with care and adjust your speed to the conditions.

There are several wildfires burning in southeastern British Columbia, and across the province, including the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. Incoming weather conditions include a heavy upper air mass that will trap smoke from these fires in the valleys. Find more information on smoke and your health below.

Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. With hot, dry weather this week, increased fire activity has been observed. Smoke from the fire is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC. The wildfire is currently 17.68 km2 or 1768 hectares in size.

The wildfire is currently in the Beaver and Copperstain valleys. The fire management team has assessed the fire and plan to use natural features combined with direct suppression and strategic ignition (to remove fuel ahead of the fire) to maintain the fire within predetermined boundaries. The Uto Wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people at this time. Structural protection has been put on infrastructure in the area including the Uto and Copperstain patrol cabins in Glacier National Park, and Purcell Lodge, just outside of the park.

An area closure is in place for the Beaver Valley trail and access road until further notice.

As of noon on August 1, 2023, a fire ban is in effect for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks until further notice.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park. Parks Canada is monitoring the Uto wildfire by helicopter and is also using a remote camera to get real-time updates on the fire.

What to expect

Uto Wildfire

Smoke is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. As the weather continues hot and dry through the week, increased fire activity is expected, especially in the afternoon and early evening. There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire ban

Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited.

The fire ban restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

Fire Danger

Fire Danger is currently very high in Mount Revelstoke and Extreme in Glacier national parks. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

For more information

The smoke from wildfires across the province continues to affect local air quality. It can also have an impact on physical and mental health. Visit: Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health for more information.

We will provide updates as new information is available.

What’s happening?

Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. With hot, dry weather this week, increased fire activity has been observed. The fire is producing a lot of smoke as activity picks up. Smoke is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and areas as far as Golden, BC.

Yesterday, the wildfire spotted over the ridge into the Copperstain Valley. The fire management team is assessing actions to limit spread in the Copperstain Valley. This may include direct suppression, as well as strategic ignition operations to remove fuels ahead of the fire. The Uto Wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people at this time. Structural protection has been put on park infrastructure in the area including the Uto and Copperstain cabins.

An area closure is still in place for the Beaver Valley trails, and area south of Grizzly Creek to the public until further notice.

As of noon on August 1, 2023, a fire ban is in effect for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks until further notice.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park. Parks Canada is monitoring the Uto wildfire by helicopter and is also using a remote camera to get real-time updates on the fire.

What to expect

Uto Wildfire

Smoke is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. As the weather continues hot and dry through the week, increased fire activity is expected, especially in the afternoon and early evening. There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire ban

Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited effective August 1, 2023.

Prohibited: This fire ban includes ALL wood or briquette fires as well as Tiki torches, turkey fryers and Chimeneas.

Exempt: Provided they are under direct supervision and CSA approved or UL certified:

• Propane or gas fuelled stoves and BBQs exclusively designed for cooking.
• Portable propane fire pits
• Propane or gas fuelled lanterns (enclosed flame)
• Catalytic or infrared style heaters

The fire ban restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

Fire Danger

Fire Danger is currently very high in Mount Revelstoke and Extreme in Glacier national parks. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

For more information

We will provide updates as new information is available.

What's happening?

As of noon on August 1, 2023, a fire ban is in effect for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks until further notice.

Fire crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. The wildfire is visible from the Trans-Canada Highway and with hot, dry weather this week, increased fire activity is expected. The Uto Wildfire is in a remote area of the park and poses no risk to people or infrastructure at this time. The wildfire is currently 642 hectares in size.

An area closure is still in place for the Beaver Valley trails, and area south of Grizzly Creek to the public until further notice.

The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. Crews continue to monitor the parks for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly. Parks Canada works closely with the BC Wildfire Service to monitor and manage wildfire risk in and around Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

Parks Canada’s fire management team has been closely watching local weather conditions and fire danger in the two parks. With hot and dry conditions forecast to continue through the week, a fire ban was recommended.

The Uto wildfire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected on Sunday, July 9. The wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley in Glacier National Park. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park. Parks Canada is monitoring the Uto wildfire by helicopter and is also using a remote camera to get real-time updates on the fire.

What to expect

Fire ban

Lighting or maintaining fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is now strictly prohibited effective August 1, 2023.

Prohibited: This fire ban includes ALL wood or briquette fires as well as Tiki torches, turkey fryers and Chimeneas.

Exempt: Provided they are under direct supervision and CSA approved or UL certified:

• Propane or gas fuelled stoves and BBQs exclusively designed for cooking.
• Portable propane fire pits
• Propane or gas fuelled lanterns (enclosed flame)
• Catalytic or infrared style heaters

The fire ban restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

Uto wildfire

Smoke may be visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. As the weather continues hot and dry through the week, increased fire activity is expected, especially in the afternoon and early evening. There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire danger

Fire danger is currently very high in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

For more information:

We will provide updates as new information is available.

What's happening?

Parks Canada fire management crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park. A fire analysis has been completed and strategies outlined to manage the fire, this includes installing a remote camera for real time updates and may include options to use natural features and/or back burning to contain the fire. The safety of the public, our crews, Parks Canada infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is always Parks Canada’s top priority. There is no current threat to people or infrastructure. Fire in this area can create a natural fuel break in the Beaver Valley reducing the risk of larger, high-intensity fires in the future.

An area closure is still in place for the Beaver Valley trails and area south of Grizzly Creek until further notice.

Initially detected on July 9, the lightning caused Uto wildfire is the only fire currently burning in both Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park. Precipitation and low temperatures have helped to slow fire activity. On July 11 the Uto wildfire was approximately 170 hectares and has grown to approximately 360 hectares as of July 17. The smoke column from the wildfire was visible from the community of Golden on July 16. Fire activity picked up as temperatures reached 30 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, but this is being followed by cooler temperatures and rain in the next couple of days.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

On Sunday, July 9, a wildfire caused by a lightning strike on July 7 was detected in Glacier National Park. The Uto wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley. It started approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park. The fire has continued to spread away from the lodge. Parks Canada is monitoring the Uto wildfire by helicopter and is also using a remote camera to get real-time updates on the fire.

What to expect

There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure, at this time. Smoke may be visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park and areas as far as Golden, BC. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway. Lower temperatures and precipitation are expected for the Uto wildfire area today and tomorrow.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire Danger

Fire Danger in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is currently Moderate. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

Campfire Information

Plan ahead! For real time fire ban updates check our website. Our friendly service staff will let you know if a ban is in place when you arrive at your campsite. Currently on July 17, no fire ban is in effect for Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

In national parks, fires are only permitted in designated metal fire pits provided by Parks Canada. In Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks, fire pits are located exclusively in front country supervised campgrounds where the purchase of a fire permit is needed.

Remember:

• Keep your fire small and only use firewood provided by the park.
• Never leave a flame unattended.
• Always check if there’s a Parks Canada fire ban in place.

What's happening?

Following lightning activity on Friday, July 7, one wildfire was detected in the Beaver Valley area of Glacier National Park. The Beaver Valley trails, and area south of Grizzly Creek are closed to the public until further notice. There is no current threat to people or infrastructure, and Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor the fire behaviour.

The fire is approximately 170 hectares as of July 11. Precipitation overnight has helped slow fire activity and more rain is expected over the next few days. Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor for new wildfire starts in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

Between 14-19mm of rain was received overnight, decreasing fire danger from high to low.

Report any new wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Dispatch at 877-852-3100.

Background

On Sunday, July 9, a wildfire was detected in Glacier National Park. The Uto wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley. It is approximately 2 km from Purcell Lodge located in the backcountry just outside of the park. Currently, the fire has been spreading away from the lodge. Fire crews have deployed a sprinkler system at the lodge as a protective measure.

The fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 7. Due to the extremely dry conditions, the fire quickly increased in size, limiting suppression efforts by the initial attack crew. Parks Canada continues to actively manage the Uto wildfire with fire management staff, a helicopter and the use of satellites to detect fire behaviour.

What to expect

There is no imminent risk to public safety or infrastructure, at this time. Wildfire smoke may be visible from the Trans-Canada Highway in Glacier National Park. For your safety, please stop only in designated pull-offs or day-use areas along the highway.

The Beaver Valley area will remain closed until further notice.

Fire danger

Fire Danger in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks is currently low with the received rain. Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

Remember:

• In national parks, campfires are only permitted in designated metal fire rings provided by Parks Canada.
• Keep your fire small and only use firewood provided by the park.
• Never leave a flame unattended.
• Use equipment that is CSA or UL certified.
• Do not throw cigarettes or other butts on the ground. Put them out and discard in a bin.
• Always check if there’s a Parks Canada fire ban in place.

We will provide updates as new information is available. The safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority.

What's happening?

There are currently no active wildfires of concern in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. The 2023 fire season started earlier than normal due to the below-average snowpack and unseasonably warm weather. Parks Canada’s fire management team works closely with BC Wildfire Service and the neighbouring communities of Revelstoke and Golden on wildfire preparedness, response and risk reduction in and around the national parks.

Wildfire preparedness

Based on weather data and fire danger ratings, the fire management team monitors for wildfire starts and is prepared to respond. Parks Canada has two four-person Initial Attack crews stationed in Revelstoke, as part of the Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks fire management team, ready to respond to local and regional in-park wildfire starts.

Highly trained fire management personnel, from within Mount Revelstoke and Glacier, contribute to wildfire preparedness. As local wildland fire fighters or as members of a Parks Canada National Incident Management Team; where they support wildfire response within other national parks across Canada, or provincial/territorial wildfire response in partnership with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Prescribed fire and wildfire risk reduction

The fire management team is working on several wildfire risk reduction projects in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. This includes preparations for potential prescribed fires in both parks. Prescribed fires are only conducted under specific conditions (e.g., weather, moisture, wind direction, supporting resources, etc.) and will only go forward when the safety of the public, our crews, infrastructure, and neighbouring lands can be assured.

What to expect:

Lower slopes, Mount Revelstoke National Park

Work will continue on the lower slopes of Mount Revelstoke to strengthen a section of the Revelstoke Community fire guard that runs through the park. If conditions allow, prescribed fire will be used to burn off the surface fuels within the fireguard area.

Hazard tree removal, Glacier National Park

Parks Canada continues a proactive multi-year project to address the public safety and wildfire risk in the Rogers Pass corridor from ongoing insect and disease outbreaks. Many of the infestations we experience in the park are native to British Columbia. Parks Canada continues to actively monitor spruce beetle and other infestations, understanding that intervention is not necessary where there is no risk to public safety and infrastructure.

• Hazard tree removal will continue along the Trans Canada Highway and throughout various day use areas and campgrounds this spring and summer.
• In early June or Fall 2023, brush pile burning will take place (conditions permitting) in the Rogers Pass area to manage the remaining woody debris from tree removal.

Other potential prescribed fires

Planning and preparations are complete for prescribed fires in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks to reduce wildfire risk, restore wildlife habitat and/or improve forest health.

It can take years to get the right “prescription” to light a prescribed fire. The specific conditions needed must consider , current and forecasted weather; wind speed and direction; moisture content in the trees, soil and air; natural or man-made barriers (fire guards) in place to limit fire spread; availability of resources; and consideration of the impacts on visitors and neighbouring communities.

Having plans in place and maintaining on the ground preparations ensures that if the right conditions are achieved, Parks Canada fire management teams are ready to proceed at short notice. Any one of the following prescribed fires could proceed this year should conditions allow.

• Glacier National Park: 20-Mile prescribed fire in the Beaver Valley area.
• Mount Revelstoke National Park: Parkway Bend prescribed fire, a continuation of work initiated in 2020, and Lindmark prescribed fire near the Parkway Bend site to support completion of a fire break on the front face of the mountain.